An electronic nose could be used to predict some of the side-effects from radiotherapy, British researchers have revealed.
The nose has been developed to identify the risk of bowel problems following treatment.
Developers at Warwick University, Coventry, say the risk is linked to the composition of bacteria in the gut – and the nose can detect this.
They have reported their findings in the journal Sensors.
Researcher Dr Ramesh Arasaradnam, a gastroenterologist in Coventry, said: "In essence, we will be able to predict those who are likely to develop severe gut related side effects by the pattern of gut fermentation that are altered as a result of radiotherapy.
"This will enable future directed therapy in these high risk groups."
Engineering researcher Dr James Covington said: "This shows just one application of being able to inform treatment by sniffing patients.
"We foresee a time when such technology will become as routine a diagnostic test as checking blood pressure is today."
The Detection of Patients at Risk of Gastrointestinal Toxicity during Pelvic Radiotherapy by Electronic Nose and FAIMS: A Pilot Study, Sensors 2012, 12(10), 13002-13018; doi:10.3390/s121013002 [abstract]
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